The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Imo has trained emergency responders on disaster preparedness and flood response.

The five-day workshop began on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State capital.

Speaking at the event, NEMA’s head of operations for Abia and Imo States, Nnamdi Igwe, said the workshop had become imperative, given the rainy season and rising flooding issues around the country.

Mr Igwe commended the stakeholders for their role in supporting NEMA’s efforts to rally support for displaced persons.

He urged emergency responders to look out for early warning signs, just as he stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to tackle flooding, fire outbreaks, and other emergencies head-on.

“We must strive for timely, targeted response and holistic information sharing to prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that help can come in time.

“Also, harmonisation of data from responders is necessary to prevent conflict of information, which may erode public trust and undermine our efforts,” he said.

He also called for improved accountability and transparency in handling emergency relief services for the best results.

Also speaking, Chioma Onyeukwu, the public relations officer of the Federal Fire Service in Imo, declared that her agency is “ever ready for emergency response.”

Ms Onyeukwu, an assistant superintendent of fire, assured Imo people that emergencies would be met with immediate response in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“Our scope of operation goes beyond fire incidents, so we have trained personnel who are equipped to handle emergency operations, including the evacuation of flood victims.

“Whenever there is an emergency, we will be here to deliver in close cooperation with NEMA and other stakeholders,” she said.

(NAN)